Elgin Genealogical Society And Their 1940 Census Transcription “Parties”; Consider Transcribing Data At A “Party” And Not Alone!

I received an e-mail from the Elgin Genealogical Society that conveyed some interesting information on their approach as a society to be involved in the 1940 Census Indexing effort that is taking place around the world at this time.

Unfortunately, I was unable to post this in advance of their most recent “party” that just took place on last Wednesday evening, June 20, 2012.

However, they are still busily engaged in indexing the 1940 Census so the following overview of their effort can still allow you to contact them and offer your services at any future indexing “parties” the society will have.

What follows after the separator line in Italics is the text of the e-mail I received from describing their efforts:

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Hi All,

I can’t remember when I’ve had such a good time working with a group of people as I had yesterday morning. We met at Gail Borden for our first indexing party and, I think, fun was had by all. I know I had a great time.

We went through the process of getting started, from setting up a family search account to indexing a page from the 1940 census and everyone had success. The more experienced indexers were more than happy to help the newbies and it’s always nice to have someone around when you have a question.

If you’ve thought about getting involved with the indexing but have been reluctant to try it on your own, now’s you chance to jump in!! We’d love to have you come to our next party. (If you’ll be setting up a family search account at the party, you’ll need to access your email account to accept an activation email, so be sure to remember or bring the username and password for your email account.)

The party will be held at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N Grove, in Elgin from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the computer class room. You’re welcome to use the computers in the class or bring your own laptop. All levels of indexers are welcome!!

Since we started in April the ISGS group (EGS is working within this group) has indexed 226,042 names and arbitrated 44,703 and Illinois is now 38% complete. We still have a lot of work ahead but we’ve come a long way so far.

If you are not in the area and want to help out, drop me a note and I can email you the instructions so we can get Illinois indexed quickly.

Come along and join us in this important effort.

Sincerely, Becky

mygenealogypondering.blogspot.com

leisurefamilyhistory.blogspot.com

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Becky Higgins is the Illinois State Genealogical Society (ISGS) 1940 Census Indexing Administrator working within her own genealogical society which she is a member, the Elgin Genealogical Society. She even asked me to share her e-mail address if anyone wants to contact her directly to find out more about all the fun and indexing “parties” that are taking place out in Elgin, IL.

It really is amazing about what is taking place with the indexing of the 1940 Census and the creative ways in which it is occurring.

While you may have missed the opportunity to “party” at the last session, contact Becky Higgins to find out more about what will be happening in the future regarding any more indexing “parties” that will be held by the society in Elgin, IL.

Congratulations to the society and the creative ways they have devised to make indexing the 1940 Census a lot more fun!